Meet the Makers: Chris

Meet the Makers is a series of interviews to help you get to know the people who are building our makerspace. Volunteer Chris’ unique hairstyle and tall stature make him easy to spot around YuKonstruct.

Chris, what’s your role at YuKonstruct?I am a volunteer site moderator and a workshop instructor. I’m one of the instructor’s for Stereolithographic 3D Printer 101 and Induction Forge 101. I also teach SketchUp and CorelDRAW workshops.

Why did you join YuKonstruct?
Before moving to the Yukon, I was really interested in joining a makerspace but never had the opportunity. When I heard about YuKonstruct starting up in Whitehorse, I wanted to be involved to help make sure it got off the ground. I’ve been volunteering since before the makerspace even opened.

Why do you think other people should become members?
There’s several reasons! If you’re into making things, at YuKonstruct you get exposed to a fantastic community that is very encouraging and helpful. Personally, I really like the social aspect and the diversity of projects that I am exposed to. Plus there’s all the tools.

Chris assembling an airplane he designed

What do you like to make?
A little bit of everything. Predominately, I do digital fabrication projects, but I’m no stranger to working with metal and wood.

What has been your favourite project so far?
I’m torn between the cardboard airplanes we made for a Winterval parade or the yeti effigy I designed for Burning Away the Winter Blues. But there’s rarely a project that I complete that I didn’t enjoy.

Do you have any advice for other makers in the Yukon?
Join YuKonstruct! It is a great place to grow as a maker. I believe that continually learning is the key to sucess.

Also, if you burn yourself while blacksmithing, don’t pack snow on the burn. Frostbite on a second degree burn is about as fun as it sounds.

What are you working on these days?
Right now I’m working on a Plinko board and a mobile, and I’m looking forward to building YuKonstruct’s float for this summer’s parades.